Research quality

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Ensuring quality of research

FTA uses an integrated concept of quality of research for development (QoR4D). It appreciates that scientific credibility is necessary, but that this alone is insufficient for research programs to achieve development outcomes.

Research must also be relevant to intended users, asking and answering questions that will help overcome problems and facilitate and support solutions. It must be perceived as legitimate by all stakeholders so they trust that the process and results of the research have considered, and fairly reflect, their values and perspectives. It needs to be effective, with appropriate methods and mechanisms to translate knowledge to implementation and use by stakeholders. High-quality research for development has high potential to contribute to significant outcomes and to positive livelihoods, food security and environmental impacts.

FTA uses this integrated QoR4D concept to guide and manage work and performance at all scales, from program to projects. The framework helps focus attention on:
How research strategies and specific research questions are developed and defined (including who is involved and how relevance is determined);
How FTA teams and the overall program are organized to ensure all necessary functions are performed so that research translates to intended outcomes and impact;
Whether and how intended outcomes are being realized; and
Whether learning systems are in place and working to support ongoing reflection, lesson-learning and improvement. It also encourages an integrated and coherent approach to program and team design.

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